A high-stakes meeting between former President Donald Trump and top congressional Democrats on Monday ended without a breakthrough, raising the risk of a US government shutdown. Republican Senator JD Vance warned, “I think we are headed into a shutdown.”
Democrats remain firm, refusing to back GOP legislation to fund the government beyond Tuesday unless it includes key healthcare provisions. Republican leaders from the Senate and House also joined the Oval Office talks.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he raised concerns about the state of healthcare in the country. “He seemed to, for the first time, understand the magnitude of this crisis,” Schumer said. He added that bipartisan input was needed in the GOP bill.
However, Republicans showed little sign of compromise. Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of “hostage-taking” over funding decisions. He said the GOP could pass its bill immediately to keep the government running through 21 November, but Democratic support is required in the Senate.
Vance also blamed Democrats for a potential shutdown, saying, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing. I hope they change their mind, but we’re gonna see.”
Trump has not spoken publicly since the meeting. Earlier Monday, he told CBS News, “I just don’t know how we are going to solve this issue,” claiming that Democrats “are not interested in waste, fraud and abuse.”
The Democratic push for healthcare provisions comes as the party seeks voter support ahead of next year’s midterm elections. They want the GOP funding plan to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that expire at year-end. Democrats are also demanding the reversal of Medicaid cuts and restoration of funding for public media.
Schumer hinted at possible compromise. Outside the White House, he said Trump could prevent a shutdown if he accepted some Democratic demands. “There are still large differences between us,” he said, noting that healthcare and rescission issues remain major hurdles.
If Congress fails to act, a shutdown will start Wednesday at midnight. Federal agencies would close, and many government workers would be furloughed. Last week, the Office of Management and Budget indicated it could use a shutdown to carry out additional layoffs as part of broader efforts to reduce bureaucracy.
Polling from Morning Consult showed that 45% of voters would blame congressional Republicans for a shutdown, while 32% would hold Democrats responsible.
Earlier this year, House Democrats voted against a Republican funding bill, but Schumer encouraged Senate support to avoid a shutdown. That decision disappointed many Democratic supporters and raised questions about leadership strategy.
On Monday, there were reports that Schumer had discussed a temporary measure to keep the government open for a week, but at a press conference, he reaffirmed his stance. “We have to get it done. The way to do this is the president, who is really listening to us, tells the Republicans to do it,” Schumer said.
As the clock ticks toward a possible shutdown, talks remain tense. The standoff underscores the deep partisan divide over healthcare and federal spending, leaving lawmakers and the public uncertain about the immediate future of the US government.
